The bus stop

“Hey, are you almost done?” Kim Jiwon, better known to me as Liz, popped up from in front of my desk asking. “It’s time for ramen to end off this week, you promised! I’ve been waiting since lunch ended, just thinking about that succulent chashu and hearty broth…” I smiled at how the promise of good food always seemed to perk Liz up. Since entering the company together as two nervous, fresh-faced hires, we made it a habit to have dinner on Fridays together. “Let's go, before your ramen grows legs and runs off.” Liz took mock offence at that with a retort of her own, “I remember you were hopping from leg to leg for that fried chicken last week!” "I'll never get the last word with you, will I?" I sighed. "No, I shouldn't think so~"

The hole-in-the-wall ramen spot that Liz had seen on social media was tucked away in a quiet neighborhood, but perhaps by virtue of the post, had a small line forming. Undeterred, Liz hopped to the back of the line, already scanning the menu provided. “I heard their tonkotsu is really good! Ahhh but shoyu sounds amazing too… Oh! Should we share some gyoza? I’m really hungry!” “I’m always down for gyoza.” From all the meals we shared I knew Liz loved her side dishes, a love that I came to adopt. “That settles it then! Ahh can’t this line move any slower? Lunch was ages ago, buried by all the reports I finished.” “You took at least 3 ‘coffee breaks’, surely you had enough rest?” Liz playfully punched me, “not everyone is a robot at work like you!”

Despite the line, our order came swiftly once we were seated, a fact that served to grow Liz’s grin. “Mandatory picture time!” Liz snapped off a flurry of photos of the food, and ended off with the recent trendy “0.5” selfie. “Can we eat now?”, a hint of desperation entering my voice. That ramen DID smell heavenly, Liz’s food hunts enjoyed a 100% success rate. A loud slurp from Liz and a cheeky smile was my answer as I tucked in as well. A companionable silence took over our meal, punctuated by the occasional slurps of noodles. I found myself sneaking glances at Liz, a smile on her face that only good food can bring. “Come on, just ask her, it’s not like she won’t be down.” There was a cafe that just opened on a popular shopping street near a park known for being a date spot. I knew the implication, although Liz might see it purely as another foodie adventure. But just maybe, It wasn’t an implication, but the truth. The past year of working with Liz started as a friendship, but somewhere along the way it evolved for me, and I wondered if maybe she felt the same. Before I could second-guess myself, “Hey Liz, you want to check out that cafe on Starship Lane tomorrow? I’ve heard they do an amazing cheesecake.” “Woww! Are you suggesting a place for once? But it's not Friday tomorrow though…” “If you aren’t free that's perfectly fine!” I blurted out. But Liz just smiled, pure and genuine. “I would love to. Tomorrow at 12?” “Y-yeah, sounds good.” It caught me off guard, how easy that went. “I’ll go pick up the tab real quick”

 “That was sooo good! We are for sure coming back here soon~" "Yeah, I will never understand how you always hit the nail on the head when it comes to food but fumble at work over an email.” “Hey! I just appreciate the finer things in life!” The walk to the bus stop continued on for a couple minutes, before Liz broke the silence.” Hey why do you always pay for me, it's not like you’re my boyfriend~” A momentary pause, as the cogs in my head whirred overtime. “Well with how much you spend on your matchas at lunch you might not be able to afford dinner!” I hoped Liz didn’t notice the hesitation there, and it seemed she didn’t. “I’ll have you know, matcha is life!”. Was her pout always this cute?

  The bus stop was empty, people either out drinking or with their families. Liz sat with her feet not quite touching the floor, resorting to swaying them back and forth. “I’m excited for tomorrow!! Do you think their matcha is as good as their cheesecake?” “Liz, you’ve just had dinner. It's too soon to be thinking about lunch!” Liz hummed happily, “It’s only too soon to think of dinner, lunch is different~” I smiled, Liz was simply irrepressible. “Ah, my bus is here! Don’t be late tomorrow!” Liz hopped to her feet and skipped up the bus. At that moment, my body acted before my mind did. “Liz I-” Liz turned back, staring quizzically down at me. “I’ll see you tomorrow” I finished lamely. A smile and a wave, and Liz disappeared as the bus doors closed. “Damn it.” I muttered, as my own bus pulled up.

  “Over here! Over here!” Liz was waving her arms frantically, her energy palpable even as I made my way to where she was standing. She looked cute, a slight pink tinge on my cheeks as I realized that fact, clad in a black dress and pink woven cardigan over it, trendy sneakers and her handbag completing the ensemble. “Hurry up! I need my matcha fix, 5 minutes ago!” “Alright calm down, let’s go!” Liz casually looped her arm in mine, her thoughts with her matcha, missing the full blush I sported that developed from the pink tinge.

  One photo taking session later, Liz and I were seated at the corner of the cafe, people walking by the large window, going about their shopping. Liz happily nursed her long-anticipated matcha.” You really found a good place! Liz 100, you 1! You’re gonna need to find more good places to keep up~ ""I'm getting the hang of it now, I think you’ll really love this curry rice place I found” I pulled out my phone to show her. To any of the people passing by, It would seem like Liz and I were on an actual date, but none of them knew the emotions racing through me. Liz continued to ramble about everything and anything, and I spoke before I could rethink it. “Liz I-” but Liz stopped me, finger held to my lips. “If we’re done here, why don't you go pick up the tab and we can go shopping… Boyfriend.”